Fort Collins City Council delays decision on eminent domain mall development

Nov. 28, 2012

Written by

Coloradoan staff

Fort Collins City Council has postponed until Jan. 15 its decision on whether to invoke eminent domain to roust Sears from the Foothills Mall.

A vote originally was scheduled for the next council meeting on Tuesday.

Council in its capacity as the Urban Renewal Authority approved an agreement with Walton Foothills Holdings IV, a group formed by developers that purchased the 37-year-old mall, that opens the door for the city to take property in exchange for fair market value to advance the project.

Sears, one of the original mall anchors, owns its space at the mall but is not part of the new owners’ plans. If the mall developers decide proceeding with the project with Sears in place is unfeasible, it could force the city to decide between forcing Sears out and waving goodbye to the planned redevelopment of the mall.

Council’s hearing in January regarding whether to use eminent domain will coincide with a hearing on the Midtown Urban Renewal Plan and related issues.